TV Veteran Alok Nath Accused Of Rape By Director

In another shocking headline today, the TV and film veteran Alok Nath is accused of rape and ruining her by film director Vinta Nanda. The writer of popular mid-90s drama serial Tara.

In her Facebook post where she didn’t explicitly name Alok, but hinted on the name saying ”most #Sanskaari (Cultured) person in the film and television industry.” She later confirmed to IANS that she referred to Alok Nath. Here is what Vinta had to say:

Vinta said that when all this happened, the general culture in the industry was to stay silent and normalize the behaviour. She adds that she would have spoken at that time as well if she had a platform like Facebook and assurance that people will hear her story and trust her.

Alok has however brushed off the accusations strategically and said that he will neither accept nor reject. He said maybe the rape did happen, but someone else did it. Alok also said that Vinta in a way is what she is just because of him. He added that it is pointless to say his side of the story because the world will only believe what a woman has to say.

“at one time she used to be such a good friend… today she said such a big thing. In a way, it was me who made her what she is. It is useless to react on the allegations as in today’s world whatever a woman says, only that will be considered. In such a situation, it would be wrong to say anything.” – said Alok.

Sushant Singh from Cintaa Cinema extended his full support to Vinta and said he will be sending a show-cause notice. He added to follow his suspension, they, unfortunately, have a due process.

Dear @vintananda I am so so sorry. As @CintaaOfficial a show-cause Notice will be sent to @aloknath first thing in the mrng, why he shudnt b expld. Unfortunately we’ve to follow the due process. I urge u to file a complaint against this vile creature, we extend u full support.

The social media community have also expressed their shock and concern on the issue. Here is what the Twitterati has to say:

Right wing trolls, outranging against The Wire founder journalist, have suddenly become silent when names like MJ Akbar and #AlokNath have emerged. Please don't mix idealogies and sexual predators. No ideology can and should defend such behaviour.

In the #AlokNath case, the joke is on us. This man had a field day raping women and destroying their careers, while we happily bestowed the ‘sanskari’ tag on him. If he was a bonafide piece of shit, we were ignorant morons.

Speaking to Firstpost, @vintananda recalls that when she was sexually abused and violated by #AlokNath, the general norm was to stay silent and normalise this behavior, but with the help of social media, she finally found her voice back.

I wouldn't be surprised if there are hundreds of actors, directors and producers in "Bollywood" that have been predatory. #AlokNath is part of that gang. Social media normalizes power. https://t.co/uMtC8nNRTq

If someone is acting 'sanskaari' in films, does not mean he has those 'sanskaars' in real life too. People put him on that pedestal, lapped him up on Twitter, vying for his attention. There are many like, #AlokNath wolves in sheep's clothing.#TimesUp#MeToo

Lets be real the case against #AlokNath of rape cannot be proved in the court of law. It would be next to impossible to produce evidence & witnesses for the horrible crime he committed of the rape that has been mentioned, unless someone else comes with proof. Till then boycott